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Abstract:

A set value management service receives a replace request for replacing
configuration data of a first image forming apparatus, and searches the
second image forming apparatus needs to update configuration data as a
result of replacement of the first image forming apparatus. The set value
management service updates configuration data of the searched second
image forming apparatus.

Claims:

1. An information processing system comprising: an image forming
apparatus; and a management device that manages operation setting
information for switching an operation of the image forming apparatus,
wherein the management device comprises: a holding unit configured to
hold the operation setting information of the image forming apparatus; a
request receiving unit configured to receive a replace request for
replacing operation setting information of a first image forming
apparatus from the first image forming apparatus that has been replaced;
a searching unit configured to search a second image forming apparatus
that needs to update operation setting information as a result of
replacement of the first image forming apparatus when the replace request
is received; and an updating unit configured to update the operation
setting information of the searched second image forming apparatus, and
wherein the first image forming apparatus comprises: a replace requesting
unit configured to transmit the replace request for replacing own
operation setting information via the network when the first image
forming apparatus is replaced.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the
management device further comprises: a selecting unit configured to
select one or more functions which the first image forming apparatus
halts until the updating unit completes the updating of the operation
setting information of the second image forming apparatus among functions
included in the first image forming apparatus; a halt instructing unit
configured to instruct the first image forming apparatus to halt the
selected one or more functions via the network; a resumption instructing
unit configured to instruct the first image forming apparatus that has
halted the one or more functions instructed by the halt instructing unit
to resume the halted one or more functions via the network when the
updating unit completes the updating of the operation setting information
of the second image forming apparatus, wherein the first image forming
apparatus further comprises: a halting unit configured to halt the one or
more functions instructed by the halt instructing unit of the management
device; and a resuming unit configured to resume the halted one or more
functions instructed by the resume instructing unit of the management
device.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the
operation setting information held by the holding unit of the management
device includes version information indicating a version of the operation
setting information, wherein a third image forming apparatus refers to
the operation setting information of the second image forming apparatus
held by the holding unit, generates transmission information
corresponding the referred operation setting information and including
the version information of the referred operation setting information,
and transmits the generated transmission information to the first image
forming apparatus via the network, and wherein the first image forming
apparatus comprises: a receiving unit configured to receive the
transmission information from the third image forming apparatus; a
comparison requesting unit configured to request the management device to
compare the version information included in the operation setting
information of the second image forming apparatus included in the
received transmission information with the version information included
in the operation setting information of the second image forming
apparatus held by the holding unit; a determining unit configured to
receive a comparison result from the management device, and determining
that the transmission information has been generated based on updated
operation setting when the received comparison result indicates that the
version information included in the operation setting information of the
second image forming apparatus included in the received transmission
information matches the version information included in the operation
setting information of the second image forming apparatus held by the
holding unit.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the
replace request received by the request receiving unit of the management
device includes a MAC address of the first image forming apparatus after
being replaced, and wherein the searching unit searches the image forming
apparatus corresponding to the operation setting information in which a
MAC address filter that registers the MAC address is set as the second
image forming apparatus among the operation setting information held by
the holding unit.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the
searching unit searches the image forming apparatus corresponding to the
operation setting information that includes a network address book that
registers as a transmission destination the first image forming apparatus
that is a request source of the replace request received by the receiving
unit as the second image forming apparatus among the operation setting
information held by the holding unit.

6. A management method in an information processing system comprising an
image forming apparatus, and a management device that manages operation
setting information for switching an operation of the image forming
apparatus, the method comprising: transmitting, by a first image forming
apparatus, a replace request for replacing operation setting information
of a first image forming apparatus when the first image forming apparatus
is replaced; receiving, by the management device, the replace require
from the first image forming apparatus; searching, by the management
device, the second image forming apparatus that needs to update the
operation setting information held by management device as a result of
replacement of the first image forming apparatus; and updating, by the
management device, the operation setting information of the searched the
second image forming apparatus.

7. A non-transitory storage medium on which is stored a computer program
for making a computer execute a management method of an information
processing system comprising an image forming apparatus and a management
device that manages operation setting information for switching an
operation of the image forming apparatus, the method comprising:
transmitting, by a first image forming apparatus, a replace request for
replacing operation setting information of a first image forming
apparatus when the first image forming apparatus is replaced; receiving,
by the management device, the replace require from the first image
forming apparatus; searching, by the management device, the second image
forming apparatus needs to update the operation setting information held
by management device as a result of replacement of the first image
forming apparatus; and updating, by the management device, the operation
setting information of the searched the second image forming apparatus.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system a
management method and a storage medium.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] There has been proposed an image forming apparatus that stores
configuration data in a storage unit. The configuration data is setting
information (operation setting information) for switching the operation
of the image forming apparatus. Since configuration data is stored in the
storage unit provided in each of the image forming apparatuses, the
setting changes in configuration data need to be made by the number of
image forming apparatuses in order to change configuration data for all
of the image forming apparatuses.

[0003] For saving the time for changing the settings of configuration data
by the number of image forming apparatuses, there has been proposed a
technology in which the settings of configuration data for a plurality of
image forming apparatuses are made at one time by a certain information
processing apparatus. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2007-130838 discloses an image forming system in which a plurality of
image forming apparatuses, to which the initial setting operation has
been performed, downloads initial system setting information from a
server and reflects the downloaded initial system setting information on
the initial setting content.

[0004] Also, it is assumed that configuration data is handed over when the
image forming apparatus is replaced. Here, there may be a case in which
configuration data corresponding to other image forming apparatuses needs
to be changed accompanied with replacement of the image forming
apparatus. For example, a case is assumed that the image forming
apparatus has a function that performs reception
permission/not-permission of a reception packet using a MAC address.
Certain image forming apparatus is set such that the image forming
apparatus registers the MAC address of other image forming apparatuses in
the MAC filter so as to receive only the reception packet from the
registered MAC address. When the image forming apparatus of which the MAC
address is registered in the MAC filter is replaced, the MAC address is
changed, and thus a setting value of the MAC filter retained by other the
image forming apparatuses also need to be changed.

[0005] Also, a case is assumed that the image forming apparatus has an
address book used for transmitting to other image forming apparatus
connected to a network. A transmission destination of the image forming
apparatus is registered in this address book. When the image forming
apparatus registered as the transmission destination in the address book,
the address book retained by other image forming apparatuses needs to be
replaced. Conventionally, a manager himself has changed configuration
data corresponding to other image forming apparatuses one by one
accompanied with replacement of the image forming apparatus.

[0006] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-339106 discloses a printer
address monitoring system in which a monitor tool detects a change of an
IP address of a printer to be monitored so as to notify the change to a
client computer.

[0007] The conventional technology which the manager should change
configuration data corresponding to other image forming apparatuses one
by one imposes great burden on the manager when configuration data
corresponding to other image forming apparatuses needs to be changed
accompanied with replacement of the image forming apparatus.

[0008] When the printer address monitoring system disclosed in Japanese
Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-339106, processing load is increased since the
monitor tool needs to constantly monitor the printer to be monitored.
Thus, the monitoring system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2005-339106 is applied to update processing of configuration data,
following case may be occurred. In other words, in this system, the other
image forming apparatus that needs to change configuration data cannot be
searched without exceed processing load, nor configuration data of the
searched image forming apparatus can automatically updated when the image
forming apparatus is replaced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The information processing system of the present invention searches
other image forming apparatus required for changing configuration data
without excessive load processing, and automatically changes
configuration data of the searched image forming apparatus when the image
forming apparatus is replaced.

[0010] The information processing system of the present embodiment
includes an image forming apparatus, a management device that manages
operation setting information that switches an operation of the image
forming apparatus. The management device includes; a holding unit
configured to hold the operation setting information of the image forming
apparatus; a request receiving unit configured to receive a replace
request for replacing operation setting information of a first image
forming apparatus from the first image forming apparatus that has been
replaced; a searching unit configured to search a second image forming
apparatus that needs to update operation setting information as a result
of replacement of the first image forming apparatus when the replace
request is received; and an updating unit configured to update the
operation setting information of the searched second image forming
apparatus. The first image forming apparatus includes a replace
requesting unit configured to transmit the replace request for replacing
own operation setting information via the network when the first image
forming apparatus is replaced.

[0011] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from
the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the
attached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary general configuration
of the present embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware
configuration of an information processing system.

[0033] FIG. 22 is a diagram describing an example of IFAX transmission
processing executed by the image forming apparatus.

[0034] FIG. 23 is a diagram describing an example of IFAX reception
processing executed by the image forming apparatus.

[0035] FIG. 24A to FIG. 24C are examples of an operation panel provided in
the image forming apparatus that transmits IFAX data.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Hereinafter, a description will be given of the information
processing system of the present embodiment. Firstly, the terms used in
the present embodiment are defined. The term "configuration data" refers
to data (operation setting information) for switching the operation of an
image forming apparatus. For example, configuration data corresponds to a
default value for imposition of a copy job or the like. If the default
value for imposition of a copy job is set to "1 in 1", one page is
printed on a single sheet of paper as a result of copying. If the default
value for imposition of a copy job is set to "2 in 1", two pages are
printed on a single sheet of paper as a result of copying.

[0037] The term "device configuration data" refers to data indicating the
configuration of a device provided in an image forming apparatus. For
example, device configuration data indicates whether or not an image
forming apparatus includes a facsimile unit. Examples of device
configuration data include a model code for uniquely identifying the
model of an image forming apparatus, a running firmware version, and the
like.

[0038] The term "model-specific set value schema" refers to data for
defining the schema of configuration data that is held by a specific
model of an image forming apparatus. The term "schema" refers to data for
defining the convention and positioning for configuration data. Examples
of such a model-specific set value schema include a condition(s) for
validating the set value identifier for each configuration data, the
default value, the value range, and data. In the present embodiment, it
is assumed that there is a difference between configuration data to be
held depending on the model of an image forming apparatus and a set value
schema is prepared for different models of an image forming apparatus.

[0039] The term "virtual device" refers to a data group of actual devices
held by a server computer group. More specifically, a virtual device
includes at least device configuration data and configuration data. The
term "tenant" refers to a unit of consignor to whom a user consigns the
management of an image forming apparatus. In other words, a tenant is a
management range of a user. The term "tenant identifier" refers to an
identifier for uniquely identifying a tenant. For example, assume the
case where management of image forming apparatuses 101A, 101B, and 101C
in a user environment 100 (to be described below) shown in FIG. 1 is
consigned by a certain company. In this case, a corresponding tenant
identifier is assigned to the user environment 100 and the image forming
apparatuses 101A, 101B, and 101C are recognized and managed as the image
forming apparatuses belonging to the tenant.

[0040] The definition is given as follows so as to distinguish among data
included in a virtual device, data held by an actual device, and data
dedicated for a tenant. Device configuration data included in a virtual
device is referred to as "virtual device configuration data" and
configuration data included in a virtual device is referred to as
"virtual configuration data". Device configuration data held by an actual
device is referred to as "actual device configuration data" and
configuration data held by an actual device is referred to as "actual
configuration data". Configuration data that is commonly used by image
forming apparatuses in a tenant is referred to as "tenant configuration
data". Also, configuration data that is commonly used by image forming
apparatuses belonging to the external tenant is referred to as "external
tenant configuration data".

[0041] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary general configuration
of the present embodiment. The information processing system shown in
FIG. 1 includes a user environment 100, a server computer group 105, a
service person environment 110, and a vendor environment 120 for image
forming apparatuses. The user environment 100, the server computer group
105, the service person environment 110, and the vendor environment 120
for image forming apparatuses communicate with each other via Internet
104. The Internet 104 is a network that is capable of providing digital
communication on a public line.

[0042] The user environment 100 is an environment where a user of an image
forming apparatus executes the operation of the image forming apparatus.
The user environment 100 includes image forming apparatuses 101A, 101B,
and 101C and a terminal apparatus 102A. The image forming apparatuses
101A, 101B, and 101C are the image forming apparatuses of the present
embodiment. A network 106 is a network that is capable of providing
digital communication in the user environment 100. The image forming
apparatuses 101A, 101B, and 101C can access the Internet 104 via the
network 106. The terminal apparatus 102A is a computer that is operable
by a user of the user environment 100. The terminal apparatus 102A can
also access the Internet 104 via the network 106.

[0043] The service person environment 110 is an environment where a
service person manages an image forming apparatus using the terminal
apparatus 102B. The service person environment 110 includes a terminal
apparatus 102B. The terminal apparatus 102B is a computer that is
operated by a service person who manages the image forming apparatuses
101A, 101B, and 101C. The terminal apparatus 102B can access the Internet
104.

[0044] The vendor environment 120 for image forming apparatuses is an
environment where management personnel of a vendor for producing an image
forming apparatus perform the maintenance of data which is required for
the management of an image forming apparatus. The vendor environment 120
for image forming apparatuses includes a terminal apparatus 102C. The
terminal apparatus 102C is a computer that is operated by management
personnel of a vendor for producing an image forming apparatus. The
terminal apparatus 102C can access the Internet 104.

[0045] The server computer group 105 is a server group that provides a set
value management service 310 (see FIG. 3) for managing configuration data
for image forming apparatuses. The server computer group 105 provides a
service to a plurality of tenants via the Internet 104. In the present
embodiment, the set value management service 310 provided by the server
computer group 105 functions as a management apparatus that manages
configuration data for image forming apparatuses. The set value
management service 310 manages image forming apparatuses by associating
them with tenants that are a preset management range. In other words, the
set value management service 310 manages the image forming apparatuses
for each management range. In the following description, the image
forming apparatuses 101A, 101B, and 101C are also described as the image
forming apparatus 101 and the terminal apparatuses 102B and 102C are also
described as the terminal apparatus 102.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware
configuration of the information processing system of the present
embodiment. The server computer group 105 includes a server computer 210A
and a server computer 210B. The server computer 210B has the same
configuration as that of the server computer 210A. The server computer
210A and the server computer 210B communicate with each other via a
network 220.

[0047] The server computer 210A includes a CPU 201C, a non-volatile memory
202C, a volatile memory 203C, an auxiliary storage device 204C, and a
network communication device 207C that are connected to an internal bus
216. The image forming apparatus 101 includes a CPU 201A, a non-volatile
memory 202A, a volatile memory 203A, an auxiliary storage device 204A, a
display 205A, an input device 206A, a network communication device 207A,
a facsimile unit 208, and a printer engine 209 that are connected to an
internal bus 211A. The terminal apparatus 102 includes a CPU 201B, a
non-volatile memory 202B, a volatile memory 203B, an auxiliary storage
device 204B, a display 205B, an input device 206B, and a network
communication device 207B that are connected to an internal bus 211B.

[0048] In the following description, the CPU 201A, 201B, and 201C are also
described as a CPU 201, the non-volatile memories 202A, 202B, and 202C
are also described as a non-volatile memory 202, the volatile memories
203A, 203B, and 203C are also described as a volatile memory 203, the
auxiliary storage devices 204A, 204B, and 204C are also described as an
auxiliary storage device 204, the displays 205A and 205B are also
described as a display 205, the input devices 206A and 206B are also
described as an input device 206, the network communication devices 207A
and 207B are also described as a network communication device 207, and
the internal buses 211A and 211B are also described as an internal bus
211.

[0049] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 executes programs and
controls various types of processing. The non-volatile memory 202
includes a ROM (Read Only Memory). The non-volatile memory 202 stores
programs and data that is required for device start processing at the
initial stage. The volatile memory 203 includes a RAM (Random access
Memory). The volatile memory 203 is used as a temporary storage location
of the programs and data.

[0050] The auxiliary storage device 204 is a large-capacity storage device
such as a hard disk, a RAM drive, or the like. The auxiliary storage
device 204 stores large-capacity data and holds the execution code of the
programs. The auxiliary storage device 204 stores data which needs to be
held for a longer time than that of the volatile memory 203. The display
205 performs information display processing and notifies a user person of
the resulting information. In the present embodiment, a user person
denotes a user and a service person.

[0051] The input device 206 accepts a user person's selection instruction
and transmits the instruction to a program via the internal bus 211. The
network communication device 207 is a device that communicates with an
external device via a network. The facsimile unit 208 is a hardware unit
that transmits the image data formed by the image forming apparatus 101
or the image data stored in the auxiliary storage device 204A to an
external device via the network 106. The facsimile unit 208 is optional
and the image forming apparatus 101 may not include the facsimile unit
208. The printer engine 209 prints the image data formed by the image
forming apparatus 101 or the image data stored in the auxiliary storage
device 204A on a recording medium such as paper.

[0052] FIG. 3 is an exemplary functional block diagram illustrating the
information processing system of the present embodiment. The information
processing system shown in FIG. 3 includes an image forming apparatus 101
and a set value management service 310. The image forming apparatus 101
and the set value management service 310 communicate with each other via
the Internet 104. The management method of the present embodiment is
realized by the functions provided in the information processing system
shown in FIG. 3. A program of the present embodiment causes the computer
to execute this management method.

[0056] The virtual configuration data receiving unit 303 acquires virtual
configuration data from the virtual configuration data acquiring unit 320
provided in the set value management service 310. The virtual
configuration data receiving unit 303 calls the virtual configuration
data acquiring unit 320 using an address which is set in the actual
configuration data held by the actual configuration data holding unit
301.

[0057] FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of actual
configuration data. FIG. 4A shows actual configuration data for an image
forming apparatus of which the device identifier is "010001". FIG. 4B
shows actual configuration data for an image forming apparatus of which
the device identifier is "010002". FIG. 4C shows actual configuration
data for an image forming apparatus of which the device identifier is
"020001". The device identifier is identification information for
uniquely identifying an image forming apparatus.

[0058] Actual configuration data has data items including a set value
identifier 702 and a value 703. The set value identifier 702 is an
identifier for uniquely identifying a setting item. The value 703 is a
value of a setting item. In the example shown in FIG. 4,
http://ddd.com/config is set as the value (address) of
"device_settings.cloud_address". The address is an address for a set
value management service which is set as the set value management service
for distributing configuration data to the image forming apparatus 101.
Thus, the virtual configuration data receiving unit 303 described above
accesses the address.

[0059] Note that virtual configuration data has the same data
configuration as the actual configuration data shown in FIG. 4. Thus, a
description will be given of the actual configuration data shown in FIG.
4 as virtual configuration data as appropriate.

[0061] FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of actual
device configuration data. Each of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C shows actual
device configuration data for a different image forming apparatus. Actual
device configuration data has data items including a data type 602 and a
value 603. The data type 602 is the type of data included in actual
device configuration data. A model code for identifying the model of an
image forming apparatus, a firmware version, a device identifier for
identifying a device, and the like are set to the data type 602. The
value 603 is the value of data. A value (e.g., the value of a device
identifier, the presence/absence of a facsimile unit, or the like)
corresponding to the data type is set to the value 603. Note that virtual
device configuration data has the same data configuration as that of
actual device configuration data. Thus, a description will be given of
the actual configuration data shown in FIG. 5 as virtual configuration
data as appropriate.

[0062] Referring back to FIG. 3, the tenant identifier holding unit 305
holds a tenant identifier that is the identifier of a tenant to which the
image forming apparatus 101 belongs. The tenant identifier is set upon
initial installation of the image forming apparatus 101 and is stored in
the auxiliary storage device 204A so as not to be lost even when the
power is OFF.

[0064] When the image forming apparatus 101 is replaced, the replacement
executing unit 340 functions as a replace requesting unit that requests
the replace request to the set value management service 310 via the
Internet. The replace request is a request that requests for updating
(replacing) virtual configuration data retained by the virtual device
corresponding to the replaced image forming apparatus 101 to the setting
after being replaced.

[0065] Also, the replacement executing unit 340 functions as a halting
unit that halts a function of the image forming apparatus in response to
an instruction (a function halting request) from the halt function
selecting unit 333 included in the set value management service 310.
Also, the replacement executing unit 340 functions as resuming unit that
resumes the function of the image forming apparatus that has halted the
function in response to an instruction (a halted function releasing
request) from the halt function selecting unit 333 included in the set
value management service 310.

[0066] The version managing unit 341 determines whether or not the
information has been generated by using the newest configuration data
based on a version of configuration data of which the image forming
apparatus is a generation source of that information received from the
external device. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that version
information indicating the version of virtual configuration data is
associated with virtual configuration data corresponding to the image
forming apparatus 101. In the present embodiment, the image forming
apparatus 101 to be replaced is assumed to be a first image forming
apparatus. The image forming apparatus that needs to update configuration
data as a result of replacement of the image forming apparatus 101 is
assumed to be a second image forming apparatus. The image forming
apparatus that generates transmission information by using configuration
data of the second image forming apparatus and transmits the generated
transmission information to the first image forming apparatus is assumed
to be a third image forming apparatus.

[0067] The version managing unit 341 provided in the first image forming
apparatus receives transmission information from the third image forming
apparatus. The version managing unit 341 functions as a comparison
requesting unit that requests the comparison request of version
information to the version comparing unit 334 provided in the set value
management service 310. The comparison request included in the version
information is a request for comparison processing of the version
information. This comparison processing is processing for comparing the
version information of virtual configuration data about the second image
forming apparatus included in the transmission information with the
version information of virtual configuration data about the second image
forming apparatus retained by the virtual device holding unit 311
provided in the set value management service 310. The comparison request
of the version information includes version information of virtual
configuration data about the second image forming apparatus included in
the transmission information.

[0068] Also, the version managing unit 341 receives an execution result of
comparison processing from the version comparing unit 334. When the
received execution result of comparison processing indicates that the
version information of virtual configuration data included in the
transmission information matches the version information retained by the
virtual device holding unit 311, the version managing unit 341 performs
following processing. The version managing unit 341 determines that the
transmission information has been generated based on the newest virtual
configuration data.

[0072] The device identifier 802 is identification information for
uniquely identifying a virtual device. The device identifier 802
corresponds to identification information for uniquely identifying the
image forming apparatus 101 corresponding to the virtual device. The
device identifier 802 is included in device configuration data which is
notified by the image forming apparatus 101 to the set value management
service 310. The tenant identifier 803 is identification information for
uniquely identifying a tenant to which the image forming apparatus 101
corresponding to the virtual device belongs.

[0074] The notification flag 806 indicates whether or not the image
forming apparatus has already been notified of virtual configuration data
805. The flag "not-notified" set in the notification flag 806 indicates
that the image forming apparatus has not been notified of virtual
configuration data 805. The flag "notified" set in the notification flag
806 indicates that the image forming apparatus has already been notified
of virtual configuration data 805.

[0075] Referring back to FIG. 3, the model-specific set value schema
holding unit 312 holds the model-specific set value schema. One
model-specific set value schema is prepared corresponding to each model
of image forming apparatuses.

[0076] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an exemplary
model-specific set value schema. FIG. 7A shows a model-specific set value
schema corresponding to the model code of 0x01. FIG. 7B shows a
model-specific set value schema corresponding to the model code of 0x02.
The model-specific set value schema has data items including a set value
identifier 402, a default value 403, a value range 404, and a condition
405.

[0077] The set value identifier 402 is identification information for
uniquely identifying a setting item. For example, the set value
identifier "copy_settings.nup" indicates a setting item relating to
imposition in copy settings. If the set value identifiers 402 are
identical, it indicates the fact that the setting items are identical in
spite of different models. The default value 403 is a default set value
for the model. The value range 404 is a definition of a range which can
be set in the model. For example, the value range 404 of the set value
identifier "copy_settings.nup" indicates that the value range can be
selected from three types of copy settings "1 in 1, 2 in 1, and 4 in 1"
in the model.

[0078] The condition 405 is a definition of the conditions necessary for
using set values in the model. The condition "facsimile unit" is set in
the condition 405 corresponding to the setting item of
"fax_settings.received_print". Thus, the set value for the setting item
becomes valid only when mounting of a facsimile unit is confirmed.

[0079] Referring back to FIG. 3, the model-specific set value schema
updating unit 313 updates the model-specific set value schema held by the
model-specific set value schema holding unit 312. For example, when a
vendor of the image forming apparatus releases a new model, a
model-specific set value schema corresponding to the new model is
registered in accordance with the instruction given by the administrator
of the vendor. If any setting item is changed, the model-specific set
value schema updating unit 313 updates the model-specific set value
schema. The tenant configuration data holding unit 314 holds
configuration data of which the tenant hopes to set in the image forming
apparatus.

[0080] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of tenant configuration
data. Tenant configuration data has data items including a set value
identifier 502 and a value 503. The set value identifier 502 is the same
as the set value identifier 402 included in the model-specific set value
schema shown in FIG. 7. The value 503 is a common setting value desired
by a tenant. The copy setting "2 in 1" is set in the set value identifier
"copy_settings.nup". This indicates that the user desires that the copy
setting "2 in 1" be set in all image forming apparatuses held by a
tenant.

[0081] Referring back to FIG. 3, the tenant configuration data updating
unit 315 updates tenant configuration data held by the tenant
configuration data holding unit 314. In accordance with the operation by
a service person who manages image forming apparatuses held by a tenant,
the terminal apparatus 102B in the service person environment 110
provides an update instruction for tenant configuration data. The tenant
configuration data updating unit 315 updates tenant configuration data in
accordance with the update instruction. Note that the service person
performs operation on a setting screen which is displayed on a web
browser running on the terminal apparatus 102B.

[0083] Next, the virtual configuration data generating unit 316 refers to
a model code included in the acquired virtual device configuration data
to thereby specify the model of the image forming apparatus. Using the
virtual device configuration data shown in FIG. 5A as an example, 0x01 is
set as a value corresponding to the model code. Thus, the virtual
configuration data generating unit 316 specifies the model of the image
forming apparatus having the model code of 0x01.

[0085] Next, the virtual configuration data generating unit 316 generates
virtual configuration data based on the set values defined in the
acquired model-specific set value schema. Using the model-specific set
value schema shown in FIG. 7A as an example, the virtual configuration
data generating unit 316 generates virtual configuration data based on
set values corresponding to five setting items "copy_settings.nup",
"device_settings.cloud_address", "device_settings.sleep_time",
"fax_settings.received_print", and "box_settings.server_address".

[0087] A description will be given by taking an example of tenant
configuration data shown in FIG. 8 and model-specific set value schema
shown in FIG. 7A. The value (set value) for the setting item
"copy_settings.nup" included in tenant configuration data is "2 in 1". On
the other hand, the value range corresponding to the setting item, which
is defined in the model-specific set value schema, is "1 in 1, 2 in 1,
and 4 in 1". Thus, the set value included in tenant configuration data
falls within the value range defined in the model-specific set value
schema.

[0088] The value (set value) for the setting item
"device_settings.sleep_time" included in tenant configuration data is "10
seconds". On the other hand, the value range corresponding to the setting
item, which is defined in the model-specific set value schema, is "1
minute, 10 minutes, and 1 hour". Thus, the set value included in tenant
configuration data does not fall within the value range defined in the
model-specific set value schema. When the set value included in tenant
configuration data does not fall within the value range defined in the
model-specific set value schema, the virtual configuration data
generating unit 316 acquires the default value defined in the
model-specific set value schema. In this example, the default value "10
minutes" is acquired. The virtual configuration data generating unit 316
uses the acquired default value as the set value for the setting item in
virtual configuration data.

[0089] When the set value included in tenant configuration data falls
within the value range defined in the model-specific set value schema,
the virtual configuration data generating unit 316 takes the set value
included in tenant configuration data as the set value corresponding to
the setting item of virtual configuration data.

[0091] However, the condition corresponding to
"fax_settings.received_print" is "facsimile unit", whereas the value
"none" is set as a value for "facsimile unit" included in virtual device
configuration data. Thus, virtual device configuration data does not
satisfy the condition corresponding to the setting item.

[0092] When virtual device configuration data does not satisfy the
condition defined in the model-specific set value schema, the virtual
configuration data generating unit 316 acquires the default value 403
defined in the model-specific set value schema. In this example, the
virtual configuration data generating unit 316 acquires a default value
"OFF" corresponding to "fax_settings.received_print". The virtual
configuration data generating unit 316 uses the acquired default value as
the set value for the setting item in virtual configuration data.

[0094] More specifically, among the virtual devices held by the virtual
device holding unit 311, the virtual configuration data updating unit 317
acquires a virtual device having a device identifier corresponding to the
generated virtual configuration data. Then, the virtual configuration
data updating unit 317 updates virtual configuration data retained by the
acquired virtual device by replacing it with the generated virtual
configuration data. When the notification flag 807 of the virtual device
is "notified", the virtual configuration data updating unit 317 sets the
flag "notified" to "not-notified". The setting of the notification flag
806 "not-notified" means that virtual configuration data corresponding to
an image forming apparatus is changed so that the image forming apparatus
needs to refer to new virtual configuration data.

[0100] When the notification flag 806 is "not-notified", the virtual
configuration data update confirming unit 322 determines that virtual
configuration data has been updated. When the notification flag 806 is
"notified", the virtual configuration data update confirming unit 322
determines that the virtual configuration data has not been updated. The
virtual configuration data update confirming unit 322 returns the update
status of the virtual configuration data to the virtual configuration
data receiving unit 303. Then, the virtual configuration data receiving
unit 303 that has confirmed the updating of the virtual configuration
data makes a configuration data acquisition request to the virtual
configuration data acquiring unit 320 of the set value management service
310.

[0101] The virtual configuration data update confirming unit 322 may also
confirm whether or not virtual configuration data has been updated using
the updating of virtual configuration data by the virtual configuration
data updating unit 317 as a trigger. Then, when the virtual configuration
data update confirming unit 322 confirms that the virtual configuration
data has been updated, the virtual configuration data acquiring unit 320
may also acquire configuration data and transmit it to the actual
configuration data update notifying unit 308 provided in the image
forming apparatus 101.

[0103] The replace managing unit 330 functions as a request receiving unit
that receives the replace request from the replacement executing unit 340
of the replaced image forming apparatus 101 via the Internet. The replace
request include identification information of the replaced image forming
apparatus 101, and the setting value changed due to replacement that is
corresponding to the image forming apparatus 101. The replace managing
unit 330 then executes processing in response to the replace request
(replace processing). Replace processing includes update processing of
virtual configuration data of the replaced image forming apparatus,
search processing of other the image forming apparatus that needs to
update virtual configuration data as a result of replacement of the image
forming apparatus, and update processing of virtual configuration data of
the searched image forming apparatus.

[0104] The replace managing unit 330 includes a virtual device searching
unit 331, a virtual configuration data changing unit 332, a halt function
selecting unit 333, and a version comparing unit 334. The virtual device
searching unit 331 receives the replace request from the replacement
executing unit 340 of the replaced image forming apparatus 101. In the
present embodiment, the replaced image forming apparatus also described
as the first image forming apparatus. The virtual device searching unit
331 functions as a searching unit that searches other the image forming
apparatus that needs to update virtual configuration data accompanied
with replacement and corresponds to the received replace request (the
second image forming apparatus).

[0105] In the present embodiment, the replace request, for example,
includes a MAC address of the first image forming apparatus after being
replaced. Among virtual configuration data held by virtual device that is
held by the virtual device holding unit 311, the virtual device searching
unit 331 acquires virtual configuration data of which a MAC filter that
registers the MAC address is set. Then, the virtual device searching unit
331 outputs the image forming apparatus corresponding to the acquired
virtual configuration data as the search result, that is, the second
image forming apparatus.

[0106] Among virtual configuration data included in the virtual device
held by the virtual device holding unit 311, the virtual configuration
data changing unit 332 functions as an updating unit that updates the
setting value of virtual configuration data of the second image forming
apparatus to the setting value included in the replace request. The
virtual configuration data changing unit 332 also acquires virtual
configuration data of the image forming apparatus 101 from the virtual
device held by the virtual device based on the identification information
of the image forming apparatus 101 included in the replace request. Then,
the virtual configuration data changing unit 332 updates the setting
value of the acquired virtual configuration data by replacing it with the
setting value included in the replace request.

[0107] The halt function selecting unit 333 selects a function of which
the first image forming apparatus halts until the virtual configuration
data changing unit 332 finishes changing virtual configuration data of
the second image forming apparatus. In other words, the halt function
selecting unit 333 functions as selecting unit that selects the function
which the first image forming apparatus halts until the virtual
configuration data changing unit 332 finishes updating operation setting
information of the second image forming apparatus among functions
provided in the first image forming apparatus.

[0108] Also, the halt function selecting unit 333 functions as halt
instructing unit that requests (transmits the function halting request)
the replacement executing unit 340 provided in the first image forming
apparatus to halt the selected function. The halt function selecting unit
333 also functions as resumption instructing unit that executes following
processing. In other words, the halt function selecting unit 333 requests
the replacement executing unit 340 provided in the first image forming
apparatus to resume the halted function (transmit the halted function
releasing request) when the halt function selecting unit 333 has
confirmed completion of a setting change about virtual configuration data
of the second image forming apparatus.

[0109] The version comparing unit 334 receives a comparison request of
version information from the version managing unit 341 provided in the
replaced image forming apparatus 101. The version information is
information regarding the version of virtual configuration data. The
version comparing unit 334 executes following comparison processing in
response to the received the comparison request.

[0110] Firstly, the version comparing unit 334 acquires version
information included in the comparison request as first version
information. The version comparing unit 334 also acquires the virtual
device of the second image forming apparatus corresponding to the
comparison request from the virtual device holding unit 311. The version
comparing unit 334 also acquires version information of virtual
configuration data retained by the virtual device as second version
information. Then, the version comparing unit 334 compares the received
first version information with the second version information, and
determines whether or not the first version information matches the
second version information. The version comparing unit 334 transmits a
comparison result to the version managing unit 341 provided in the first
image forming apparatus.

[0111] FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart describing update processing of
tenant configuration data. In this example, the administrator updates
tenant configuration data by using the terminal device A. A program that
realizes processing of each step of the flowchart is stored in any one of
storage unit among non-volatile memory 202C, a volatile memory 203C, or
an auxiliary storage device 204C, and executed by the CPU 201C.

[0116] Next, the virtual configuration data generating unit 316 detects
that tenant configuration data has been updated (step S909). Then, the
virtual configuration data generating unit 316 searches a virtual device,
of which the tenant identifier matches the tenant identifier of tenant
configuration data of which an update has been detected, from the virtual
devices held by the virtual device holding unit 311. In order to perform
processing for the searched virtual devices in sequence, the virtual
configuration data generating unit 316 acquires one virtual device. The
virtual configuration data generating unit 316 determines whether or not
the virtual device is successively acquired (step S910). When processing
for all virtual devices is performed in sequence and the next virtual
device cannot be acquired, the process ends. When the virtual
configuration data generating unit 316 successively acquires the next
virtual device, the process advances to step S911.

[0119] FIG. 10 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating processing for
acquiring virtual configuration data by an image forming apparatus. The
processes to be described with reference to FIG. 10 correspond to the use
of configuration data closed in one tenant. The steps in steps S1001 to
S1007 shown in FIG. 102 are executed by an image forming apparatus. A
program for executing the steps memory 202A, the volatile memory 203A,
and the auxiliary storage device 204A and is executed by the CPU 201A.
Also, the steps in steps S1051 to S1058 shown in FIG. 12 are executed by
the server computer group 105. A program for executing the steps in steps
of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is stored in any one of the storage
units that are the non-volatile memory 202C, the volatile memory 203C,
and the auxiliary storage device 204C, and is executed by the CPU 201C.

[0121] Next, the actual device configuration data notifying unit 306
functions as a configuration change determining unit that determines
whether there is any change in configuration information about the
devices provided in the image forming apparatus 101. More specifically,
the actual device configuration data notifying unit 306 determines
whether there is any change in actual device configuration data, which
has not been reported to the set value management service 310, based on
actual device configuration data collected in step S1002 (step S1003).

[0122] If there is any change in actual device configuration data which
has not been reported, the process advances to step S1005. If there is no
change in actual device configuration data which has not been reported,
the process advances to step S1004. When a new device is installed, the
process advances to step S1005.

[0123] In step S1004, the virtual configuration data receiving unit 303
determines whether or not the device has already acquired the latest
virtual configuration data, that is, the virtual configuration data has
already been updated (step S1004). More specifically, the virtual
configuration data receiving unit 303 confirms with the virtual
configuration data update confirming unit 322 of the set value management
service 310 via the Internet 104 whether or not virtual configuration
data has been updated. The virtual configuration data receiving unit 303
determines whether or not virtual configuration data has been updated
based on the confirmation result. If virtual configuration data has not
been updated, the process ends. If virtual configuration data has been
updated, the process advances to step S1007.

[0124] In step S1005, the actual device configuration data notifying unit
306 notifies the set value management service 310 about a configuration
data generation request including actual device configuration data and
the tenant identifier (step S1005). The notification destination address
is an address held by the actual configuration data holding unit 301.

[0125] In step S1051, the set value management service 310 detects the
notification and then perform processing. A detailed description of
processing executed by the set value management service 310 will be given
below.

[0128] Next, among the virtual devices held by the virtual device holding
unit 311, the virtual device configuration data updating unit 319
searches for a virtual device that matches the actual device
configuration data and the tenant identifier both included in the
configuration data generation request received in S1051 (step S1054). If
the matched virtual device has been found, the process advances to step
S1054. If the matched virtual device has not been found, the process
advances to step S1053. When an image forming apparatus communicates with
the set value management service 310 for the first time upon installation
of a new device, there may be cases where searching for a virtual device
is not possible. Thus, in this case, the process advances to step S1053.

[0134] Next, description will be given of update processing of
configuration data in the related image forming apparatus when the image
forming apparatus is replaced. When the image forming apparatus is
replaced, there are setting item of which same value as that of
configuration data before being replaced is handed over, and the setting
item of which the setting value of configuration data before being
replaced is changed.

[0135] For example, with respect to an IP address, a device name, a URL,
and an installation site, and the like, same value is likely to be handed
over to the image forming apparatus after being replaced. Also, the
setting item about unique date of the image forming apparatus and the
setting item about data that is not exist in the image forming apparatus
before being replaced are likely to be changed from the setting value
before being replaced. For example, with respect to the MAC address or
newly added capability information, or the like, the setting value is
likely to be changed from the setting value before being replaced.

[0136] For example, other image forming apparatus statically on the
network may hold the setting of which the value is changed from the
setting value before being replaced as a result of replacement of the
image forming apparatus. For example, it is assumed that other image
forming apparatus has the MAC address filtering function. The MAC address
filtering function is a function that registers the MAC address of
correspondent in the MAC filter in advance, and decides reception
permission/not-permission of received packet with reference to the MAC
filter.

[0137] The image forming apparatus manages the MAC address filtering
function needs to change the setting when the image forming apparatus
corresponding to the registered MAC address is replaced. In other words,
the image forming apparatus that manages the MAC address filtering
function should change the MAC address before being replaced to the MAC
address after being replaced.

[0138] For example, it is assumed that "permit packet reception other than
registered address" is set in the MAC filter the MAC address of a certain
image forming apparatus is the registered address. Before the image
forming apparatus that manages the MAC filter changes the setting of the
MAC filter, a packet is received by the image forming apparatus that
manages the MAC filter when the replaced image forming apparatus
transmits the packet to the image forming apparatus that manages the MAC
filter.

[0139] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram describing an exemplary operation
processing of the information processing system. In FIG. 11, reference
numbers 1110, 1150, and 1160 are the image forming apparatus A, B, C,
respectively. Reference numbers 1120, 1130, and 1140 are the virtual
device A, B, and C, respectively, and each virtual device corresponds to
the image forming apparatus A(1110), B(1150), C(1160). In the following
description, each processing that mainly the virtual device performs is
executed by each processing unit provided in the set value management
service 310 in response to processing of interest. Also, each processing
for the virtual device is executed for the processing unit in response to
processing of interest.

[0140] FIG. 11 illustrates processing when the image forming apparatus A
is replaced, configuration data of the image forming apparatuses B and C
is changed. Firstly, the image forming apparatus A transmits a message
1111 as a replace request to the virtual device A. The replace request
includes the MAC address of the image forming apparatus A after being
replaced. The virtual device A that has received the message 1111
searches the virtual device that needs to update virtual configuration
data.

[0141] Specifically, among virtual configuration data, the virtual device
searching unit 331 of the set value management service 310 searches the
virtual device having virtual configuration data of which the MAC filter
that registers the MAC address included in the replace request is set.
When the virtual device searching unit 331 has obtained the virtual
device B and C as a search result, the virtual device A updates virtual
configuration data corresponding to the virtual device B and C by
notifying the virtual device B and C of an update message (processing
1121 and 1122). Specifically, the virtual configuration data changing
unit 332 changes virtual configuration data corresponding to the virtual
device B and C. In the example of MAC filter, the virtual configuration
data changing unit 332 changes from the MAC address value before being
replaced to the MAC address value after being replaced.

[0142] Next, the virtual configuration data changing unit 332 updates
configuration data held by the virtual device A (processing 1123). Also,
the halt function selecting unit 333 selects the function to be halt if
any until the setting of other image forming apparatus is completed
(processing 1124) and notifies the image forming apparatus A of a message
1125 that instructs to halt the function until the setting of other image
forming apparatus is completed. The image forming apparatus A that has
been notified of the message halts the function of target.

[0143] While, the image forming apparatus B acquires the updated
configuration data held by the image forming apparatus B and updates
actual configuration data (processing 1131). The image forming apparatus
C also performs similar processing (processing 1141). The image forming
apparatus B and C notify the virtual device A of update completion when
update processing of corresponding actual configuration data has
completed (message 1132, 1142). The virtual device A that has been
notified of update completion requests a release of the halted function.
Specifically, the halt function selecting unit 333 notifies of a message
1126 that instructs the release of the function halted by the message
1125 when the halt function selecting unit 333 determines that all of
actual configuration data to be updated has updated.

[0144] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation
processing by the set value management service upon replacement of the
image forming apparatus. The replace managing unit 330 of the set value
management service 310 executes update processing of configuration data
of the image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus to
be replaced (step S1201). Processing in step S1201 corresponds to
processing 1121 and 1122 shown in FIG. 11.

[0145] Next, the replace managing unit 330 executes update processing of
configuration data of the image forming apparatus to be replaced (step
S1202). Processing in step S1202 corresponds to processing 1123 shown in
FIG. 11. Subsequently, the replace managing unit 330 executes processing
for selecting function to be halted to the image forming apparatus to be
replaced until the updating of other image forming apparatus is completed
(step S1203). Processing in step S1203 corresponds to processing 1124
shown in FIG. 11.

[0146] Next, the replace managing unit 330 notifies the image forming
apparatus that is the actual device of completion of replace processing
(step S1204) to thereby end processing. Processing in step S1204
corresponds to processing 1125 shown in FIG. 11. The function selected in
step S1203 is temporally halted by processing in step S1204.

[0147] FIGS. 13A and 13B are flowcharts illustrating an exemplary detail
processing in step S1201 shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 13A illustrates update
processing of configuration data in the first embodiment. Firstly, the
replace managing unit 330 searches the image forming apparatus using the
MAC filter that registers the MAC address of the image forming apparatus
to be replaced (step S1301). Specifically, the replace managing unit 330
searches virtual configuration data having the MAC filter to thereby find
out the virtual device that needs to update.

[0148] Next, the replace managing unit 330 determines whether or not the
virtual device that needs to update is present (step S1302). When no
virtual device that needs to update is present, the process ends. When
the virtual device that needs to update is present, the process advances
to step S1303.

[0149] Next, the replace managing unit 330 updates the setting value of
the MAC filter virtual of configuration data that needs to update (step
S1303). Specifically, the replace managing unit 330 changes the MAC
address value before being replaced to the MAC address value after being
replaced. Subsequently, the replace managing unit 330 registers the
virtual device that consists with a row of the MAC filter in the update
table (step S1304), the process returns to step S1302.

[0150] FIG. 14 is an example of the update table. The replace managing
unit 330 manages the update table 2500. The update table 2500 includes at
least the setting value of configuration data to be updated, functions
relating to the update target, and correspondence information of the
virtual device that needs to update.

[0151] A row 2501 of the update table 2500 indicates that data that is set
following the row 2501 is data when the image forming apparatus
corresponding to the virtual device A is replaced. Similarly, a row 2502
indicates that data that is set following the row 2502 is data when the
image forming apparatus corresponding to the virtual device A is
replaced.

[0152] A column 2510 indicates a update target, a column 2520 indicates a
function relating to the update target, and a column 2530 indicates the
virtual device registered as the update target and a reception status of
an update completion notification from the registered virtual device.

[0153] A column 2511 indicates that the update target is the MAC filter.
The functions relating to the MAC filter of target are a Send function
(2521), a ScanToBox: a NetWorkPlace function (2522), and a WebBrawser
function (2523). In this example, the image forming apparatus B (2532)
and the virtual device C (2535) are registered as a device that needs
updating of the MAC filter. Also, in this example, the update completion
notification is not received from the image forming apparatus B but
received from the virtual device C.

[0154] When the update target is the network address book, relational
function is an IFAX function (2524), the image forming apparatus B (2533)
is registered as the virtual device that needs updating. Also, in this
example, an update completion notification is not received from the image
forming apparatus B.

[0155] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a detail example of halt
function selection processing in step S1203 shown in FIG. 12. Firstly,
the replace managing unit 330 searches each update target in the update
table in order to thereby determine whether or not an uninvestigated
update target is present (step S1501). When no uninvestigated update
target is present, the process ends. When the uninvestigated update
target is present, the replace managing unit 330 selects the update
target, the process advances to step S1502.

[0156] Next, the replace managing unit 330 determines whether or not the
virtual device corresponding to the update target selected in the update
table in step S1501 is registered (step S1502). When the virtual device
corresponding to the update target selected in the update table in step
S1501 is not registered, the process returns to step S1501. When the
virtual device corresponding to the update target selected in the update
table in step S1501 is registered, the process advances to step S1503. In
step S1503, the replace managing unit 330 selects the function relating
to the update target as a function to be halted (step S1503), the process
returns to step S1501.

[0157] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary update processing
of actual configuration data. Processing shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to
processing 1131 and processing 1141 shown in FIG. 11. Firstly, as well as
passing virtual configuration data to the image forming apparatus that is
the actual device, the replace managing unit 330 requests the update of
actual configuration data to thereby update the actual configuration data
(step S1601). Subsequently, the replace managing unit 330 determines
whether or not the virtual device to be updated in the update table is
registered with reference to the update table (step S1602).

[0158] The virtual device to be updated is not registered in the update
table, the process ends. The virtual device to be updated is registered
in the update table, the process advances to step S1603. Then the replace
managing unit 330 transmits the update completion notification to the
virtual device after being replaced (step S1603). Processing in step
S1603, for example, corresponds to the messages 1132 and 1142 shown in
FIG. 11.

[0159] FIG. 17 is a flowchart describing operation processing by the
virtual device that has received the update completion notification in
step S1603 shown in FIG. 16. In fact, the replace managing unit 330
executes this processing. Firstly, the replace managing unit 330
determines whether or not to have received the update completion
notification from the virtual device (step S1701). When the replace
managing unit 330 does not receive the update completion notification,
the process returns to step S1701. When the replace managing unit 330
receives the update completion notification, the process advances to step
S1702.

[0160] Next, the replace managing unit 330 changes all reception statuses
of the virtual devices to "reception: received" (step S1702). For
example, the replace managing unit 330 sets "reception: received" in a
list of the data item of the virtual device C such as the update table
shown in FIG. 14 when it has received the update completion notification
from the virtual device C.

[0161] Next, the replace managing unit 330 determines whether or not to
have received the update completion notification from all of the virtual
devices corresponding to the relational function of the update target
(step S1703). For example, among the virtual devices relating to the Send
function set in the update table shown in FIG. 14, "reception: received"
is set in the list of the data item of the virtual device C. However,
"reception: not-received" remains in the list of the data item of the
virtual device B, thus the replace managing unit 330 determines the
virtual device that has not updated configuration data is present.

[0162] "Reception: received" is set in the update table about all of the
virtual devices registered in the relational function 2502, the process
advances to step S1704. Among the virtual devices registered in the
relational function 2502, the virtual device about which "reception:
not-received" is set in the update table remains, the process returns to
step S1701,

[0163] In step S1704, the replace managing unit 330 notifies the image
forming apparatus that is the actual device of a halt release about the
relational function of which the updates of all corresponding virtual
devices are completed. This notification corresponds to the message 1126
shown in FIG. 11. Subsequently, the replace managing unit 330 determines
whether the virtual device with "reception: not-received" remains in the
update table (step S1705). When the virtual device with "reception:
not-received" remains in the update table, the process returns to step
S1701. When the virtual device with "reception: not-received" does not
remain in the update table, the process ends.

[0165] Next, the image forming apparatus 101 determines whether or not to
need the power OFF/ON as post-processing (step S1821). When the image
forming apparatus 101 determines not to need the power OFF/ON as
post-processing, the process returns to step S1820. When the image
forming apparatus 101 determines to need the power OFF/ON as
post-processing, it executes termination processing (step S1822).

[0166] FIG. 19 is a flowchart describing a detail example of normal
processing in step S1820 shown in FIG. 18. Firstly, the image forming
apparatus 101 determines whether or not to have received a request from
the external device (step S1901). When the image forming apparatus 101
determines not to have received a request from the external device, the
process returns to step S1901. When the image forming apparatus 101
determines to have received a request from the external device, the image
forming apparatus 101 executes any one of following processing steps
S1910 to S1940 according to the kind of the request. When the request is
the function halting request, the replacement executing unit 340 of the
image forming apparatus 101 halts the function designated by the function
halting request (step S1910). This arrangement prevents processing of
function relating to configuration data by the image forming apparatus
101 from being executed before update completion of configuration data of
the other image forming apparatus that needs updating of configuration
data as a result of replacement of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0167] FIGS. 20A and 20B are examples of a screen which the image forming
apparatus displays on the display 205A when the functions of the image
forming apparatus are halted. A screen 2000 shown in FIG. 20A indicates a
menu screen that displays each function of the image forming apparatus
which a user selects and operate. In the exemplary menu screen shown in
FIG. 20A, the functions corresponding to grayed out buttons 2004 and 2005
(seen in shaded in FIG. 20A) are halted. Specifically, the Web Browser
function and the Send function are halted.

[0168] FIG. 20B indicates a basic screen of the ScanToSend function which
the image forming apparatus displays when the user presses down a button
2002. In the example shown in FIG. 20B a button 2013 is grayed out. In
other words, the NetWorkPlace function of the image forming apparatus is
halted. When the MAC filter is the update target, the NetWorkPlace
function is halted.

[0169] Returning to FIG. 19, when the request is the update request of
actual configuration data, as well as receiving the update request of
actual configuration data, the actual configuration data updating unit
302 of the image forming apparatus 101 updates actual configuration data
based on the received virtual configuration data (step S1920).

[0170] When the request is the halted function releasing request, the
replacement executing unit 340 of the image forming apparatus 101
releases the halted function designated by the halted function releasing
request. This arrangement prevents processing of function relating to
configuration data by the image forming apparatus 101 from being executed
before update completion of configuration data of the other image forming
apparatus that needs updating of configuration data as a result of
replacement of the image forming apparatus 101. When the request is not
any one of the function halting request, the update request of actual
configuration data, or the halted function releasing request, the
predetermined processing unit of the image forming apparatus 101 executes
processing in response to the request (step S1940).

[0171] The set value management service 310 provided in the information
processing system in the first embodiment described above searches the
image forming apparatus that needs updating of configuration data among
the image forming apparatuses which the set value management service 310
manages when the image forming apparatus is replaced. Then, the set value
management service 310 updates configuration data of the searched image
forming apparatus. Thus, according to the information processing system
in the first embodiment, other image forming apparatus that needs
updating of configuration data is searched, and configuration data of the
searched the image forming apparatus is automatically changed without
exceed processing load when the image forming apparatus is replaced.

[0172] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the server computer
group 105 realizes the set value management service 310. However, another
structure may be employed. For example, one server computer realizes the
set value management service 310. Also, the set value management service
310 may be realized in the user environment 100, the service person
environment 110, the vender environment 120 of image forming apparatus,
or the like.

[0173] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the service person
utilizes the terminal device 102B located in the service person
environment 110. However, another structure may be employed. For example,
a structure in which the service person utilizes terminal device 102A
located in the user environment under permission of the user.

[0174] Also, the server computers 210A and 210B communicate with each
other via the network 220 shown in FIG. 2. However another structure may
be employed. For example, the server computers 210A and 210B communicate
with each other via the Internet 104.

[0175] Also, the actual configuration data holding unit 301 stores actual
configuration data in the auxiliary storage device 204A shown in FIG. 3.
However another structure may be employed. For example, a structure in
which the actual configuration data holding unit 301 temporally stores
actual configuration data in the volatile memories 203A may be employed.
In this case, since actual configuration data is lost when the power is
OFF, the virtual configuration data receiving unit 303 needs to receive
virtual configuration data every time the power of the device is ON. As a
specific processing, update determination processing in step 1004 is
omitted, processing in step 1007 shown in FIG. 10 is always performed.

[0177] The tenant identifier holding unit 305 shown in FIG. 3 stores the
tenant identifier in the tenant identifier auxiliary storage device 204A.
However another structure may be employed. For example, a structure in
which a user inputs the tenant identifier by using the input device 206A
every time may be employed. The timing of the input may be upon
activation of the image forming apparatus, or another timing may be
available. In this case, the tenant identifier is stored in the volatile
memories 203A.

[0178] The actual device configuration data notification unit 306 shown in
FIG. 3 performs processing when the power of the image forming apparatus
is ON. However, another structure may be employed. For example, a
structure in which the user instructs acquisition of virtual
configuration data by using the input device 206A may be employed. In
this case, subsequent processing of step 1002 is performed when the image
forming apparatus detects the acquisition instruction of virtual
configuration data in step 1001 shown in FIG. 10.

[0179] The virtual device holding unit 311 shown in FIG. 3 holds the
identifier as shown in FIG. 8 for identifying virtual device
configuration data and virtual configuration data. However, another
structure may be employed. For example, a structure in which the virtual
device holding unit 311 holds substance of data other than the identifier
may be employed.

[0181] FIG. 13B is a flowchart describing a detail example in processing
1201 shown in FIG. 12 in a second embodiment. Hereinafter a description
will be given of update processing of configuration data executed by the
information processing system in the second embodiment with reference to
FIG. 13B.

[0182] Firstly, the replace managing unit 330 searches the image forming
apparatus having a network address book that holds information of the
image forming apparatus to be replaced as configuration data (step
S1401). Specifically, the replace managing unit 330 searches virtual
configuration data having the network address book to thereby find out
the virtual device that needs updating.

[0183] Next, the replace managing unit 330 determines whether or not the
virtual device that needs updating is present (step S1402). When no
virtual device that needs updating is present, the process ends. The
virtual device that needs updating is present, the process advances to
step S1403.

[0184] Next, the replace managing unit 330 updates the network address
book of virtual configuration data retained by the virtual device that
needs updating (step S1403). Specifically, the replace managing unit 330
changes the information of the image forming apparatus to be replaced
retained by the network address book before being replaced to the
information of the image forming apparatus after being replaced.
Subsequently, the replace managing unit 330 registers the virtual device
to be updated in row of the network address book in the update table
(step S1404), the process returns to step S1402.

[0185] FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram describing an exemplary operation
processing by the information processing system in the second embodiment.
In second embodiment, the network address book held by other image
forming apparatus is updated when the image forming apparatus is
replaced. The network address book is an address book of which other
image forming apparatus is capable of referring to the address book held
by any image forming apparatus via the network. For example, the image
forming apparatus having the IFAX function performs transmission setting
based on capability information (i.e., resolution) of transmission
destination. Thus, the network address book needs updating when the image
forming apparatus of transmission destination is replaced. Note that the
updating of the network address book is taken to describe in this
example, the setting that needs updating is not limited to the network
address book among the settings of configuration data retained by other
image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is replaced.

[0187] In this example, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus A
is replaced and the network address book set in configuration data of the
image forming apparatus B needs a change. Also, it is assumed that
version information is associated with the network address book. Firstly,
the image forming apparatus A transmits a message 2111 as the replace
request to the virtual device A upon replace. The virtual device A
receives the message 2111 and searches the virtual device that needs
updating of virtual configuration data. Specifically, among virtual
configuration data, the virtual device searching unit 331 searches the
virtual device having virtual configuration data including the network
address book that registers the image forming apparatus A that is a
request source as a transmission destination of information.

[0188] When the image forming apparatus B is found out as a search result,
the virtual device A updates virtual configuration data corresponding to
the virtual device B by notifying the update message to the virtual
device B (processing 2121). Specifically, the virtual configuration data
changing unit 332 changes the information of the image forming apparatus
A held by the network address book set in virtual configuration data
corresponding to the virtual device B to the information of the image
forming apparatus A after being replaced. Also, the virtual configuration
data changing unit 332 updates the version information of the network
address book.

[0189] Next, the virtual configuration data changing unit 332 updates
configuration data held by the virtual device A (processing 2122). Also,
the halt function selecting unit 333 selects the function to be halted
until the setting of other image forming apparatus is completed if
necessary with reference to the update table (processing 2123). In this
example, the halt function selecting unit 333 selects the IFAX function
relating to the network address book from the update table shown in FIG.
14. Then, the halt function selecting unit 333 notifies the image forming
apparatus A of a message 2124 that instructs to halt the selected
function until the setting of other image forming apparatus is completed.
The image forming apparatus A that has been notified of the message 2124
halts the function of target.

[0190] The image forming apparatus B acquires updated configuration data
updates corresponding to the image forming apparatus B and updates actual
configuration data (processing 2142). The image forming apparatus B
notifies the virtual device A of the update completion (a message 2131)
when it finishes updating of corresponding actual configuration data. The
virtual device A that received the update completion notification
requests for release of the halted function. Specifically, the halt
function selecting unit 333 notifies the image forming apparatus A of the
message 2125 that instructs to release the halted function by the message
2124 when it determines that all of actual configuration data to be
updated has been updated.

[0191] Here, there is a period in which the network address book
corresponding to the image forming apparatus B B is old even if
configuration data of the image forming apparatus A has been replaced.
Specifically, in a period until processing 2142 is completed after the
virtual device A transmitted the message 2124, the version information of
the network address book corresponding to the image forming apparatus B
is the version information before being updated.

[0192] In this example, the image forming apparatus C transmits IFAX data
to the image forming apparatus A with reference to the network address
book of the image forming apparatus B. At this time, the version
information of the network address book retained by the image forming
apparatus B, that acquired by the image forming apparatus C by referring
to the message 2141, is the version information before being updated.

[0193] The image forming apparatus C creates IFAX data by referring to the
information of the image forming apparatus A retained by the network
address book such as a manner described below. The image forming
apparatus C acquires the version information (2160) of the referred
network address book from the message 2141. The image forming apparatus C
adds the acquired version information to the header of a mail (2161) to
thereby generate IFAX data, and transmits it to the image forming
apparatus A (processing 2151). In an example of the mail 2163,
X-dddAdrVersion is the version information.

[0194] In other words, the image forming apparatus C functions as a third
image forming apparatus that executes following processing. The image
forming apparatus C refers to configuration data of the second image
forming apparatus (the image forming apparatus B). The image forming
apparatus C generates information corresponding to the referred
configuration data, that is, the transmission information including the
version information of configuration data, and transmits the generated
transmission information to the first image forming apparatus (the image
forming apparatus A) via the network. In this example, the image forming
apparatus A includes a reception unit that receives IFAX data from the
image forming apparatus C.

[0195] Since the image forming apparatus A halts the IFAX function, and
has not received the IFAX data yet at this time. Here, it is assumed that
the image forming apparatus C refers to the network address book (the
message 2143) after processing 2142, and transmits IFAX data to the image
forming apparatus A similar to the message 2151 (processing 2152). The
information of the referred network address book is updated to the
information of the image forming apparatus A after being replaced.

[0196] The image forming apparatus A that has received the message 2125
activates the IFAX function. At this time, the image forming apparatus A
receives two IFAX data including the message 2151 and the message 2152
(processing 2112). Therefore, the image forming apparatus A verifies
whether or not the version information described in the header of the
mail corresponding to the IFAX data transmitted in processing 2151 or
2152 is the newest upon receiving IFAX.

[0197] Specifically, the version managing unit 341 of the image forming
apparatus A requests the virtual device B to compare the version
information (a message 2113). In other words, the version managing unit
341 functions as a comparison requesting unit that executes following
processing with respect to the set value management service 310. The
version managing unit 341 requests comparison processing of the version
information of configuration data of the image forming apparatus B
included in the received IFAX data with the version information of
configuration data of the image forming apparatus B held by the virtual
device holding unit 311.

[0198] The virtual device B compares the version information transmitted
from the image forming apparatus A with the version information of the
network address book held by the virtual device B (processing 2114).
Specifically, the version comparing unit 334 of the set value management
service 310 executes processing 2114. Then, the virtual device B passes
an execution result of comparison processing for the version information
(the message 2115).

[0199] In this example, it is assumed that the version information
described in the header of the mail corresponding to the IFAX data
transmitted in processing 2151 matches the version information of the
network address book retained by the virtual device B. Also, it is
assumed that the version information described in the header of the mail
corresponding to the IFAX data transmitted in processing 2152 does not
match the version information of the network address book held by the
virtual device B.

[0200] The version managing unit 341 of the image forming apparatus A
functions as a determining unit that executes following processing. The
version managing unit 341 receives the execution result of the comparison
processing response indicated by the message 2115. Then, the version
managing unit 341 determines whether or not the version information
described in the header of the mail corresponding to the IFAX data
matches the version information of the network address book held by the
virtual device B based on the execution result of comparison processing.

[0201] When version information described in the header of the mail
corresponding to the IFAX data matches the version information of the
network address book retained by the virtual device B, the version
managing unit 341 of the image forming apparatus A executes following
processing. The version managing unit 341 determines that the IFAX data
has been generated based on the newest configuration data. Then, the
version managing unit 341 transmits a transmission confirmation (OK) to
the image forming apparatus C. The transmission confirmation (OK) is a
message indicating the IFAX data is generated based on the newest
configuration data. When the version information described in the header
of the mail corresponding to the IFAX data does not match the version
information of the network address book held by the virtual device B, the
image forming apparatus A transmits a transmission confirmation (with
condition OK) to the image forming apparatus C. The transmission
confirmation (with condition OK) is a message indicating that it is
confirmed that the transmitted IFAX data has been generated based on the
address book of old version information.

[0202] FIG. 22 is a flowchart describing an exemplary IFAX transmission
processing executed by the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 22, a
description will be given by taking IFAX transmission processing as an
example executed by the image forming apparatus C shown in FIG. 21.
Firstly, the image forming apparatus C refers to the network address book
of the image forming apparatus B shown in FIG. 21, and set the version of
the network address book to X-dddAdrVer of the mail header (2161) shown
in FIG. 21 (step S2201).

[0204] Note that the image forming apparatus C may set any information
that allows the image forming apparatus A to specify the referred
information in the mail header instead of the version of the network
address book in step S2202. For example, the image forming apparatus C
may set the version information of configuration data in the mail header
if the version of configuration data of the image forming apparatus is
upgraded in addition to the network address book.

[0205] FIG. 23 is a flowchart describing an exemplary IFAX reception
processing executed by the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 22, a
description will be given by taking an example of IFAX reception
processing executed by the image forming apparatus A shown in FIG. 21.
Firstly, the image forming apparatus A receives IFAX data from the image
forming apparatus C (step S2301).

[0206] Next, the image forming apparatus A prints or saves the received
IFAX data (step S2302). Subsequently, the image forming apparatus A
requests the virtual device B to compare the version information. Then,
the image forming apparatus A executes following determination processing
based on the received comparison result of the version information as a
response (step S2303).

[0207] The image forming apparatus A determines whether or not the version
set in the mail header corresponding to the IFAX data received in step
S2301 matches the version of the network address book of the image
forming apparatus. When the image forming apparatus A determines that the
version matches, the image forming apparatus A transmits the transmission
confirmation (OK) to the image forming apparatus C. When the image
forming apparatus A determines that the version does not match, the image
forming apparatus A transmits the transmission confirmation (with
condition OK) to the image forming apparatus C.

[0208] FIGS. 24A to 24C are examples of an operation panel of the image
forming apparatus that transmits IFAX data. As shown in FIGS. 24A to 24,
a description will be given by taking an example of the operation panel
of the image forming apparatus C. FIG. 24A illustrates an example of an
IFAX transmission history screen displayed by the image forming apparatus
C. The IFAX transmission history screen is a screen that displays the
transmission history transmitted by the image forming apparatus C. A
history 2411 means transmission OK, a history 2412 means transmission
with condition OK, and a history 2413 means transmission NG. The
transmission OK and the transmission with condition is decided based on
the transmission confirmation (messages 2114 and 2115) by the receiving
site.

[0209] FIG. 24B indicates an exemplary screen of an IFAX transmission
detail history. The IFAX transmission detail screen is a screen that
displays transmission history detail information of IFAX data. When the
user selects the history 2411 and presses down a button 2418 shown in
FIG. 24A, the history 2411 is displayed on the IFAX transmission detail
history screen. A message indicating of normal reception is displayed on
the IFAX transmission detail history screen.

[0210] FIG. 24C illustrates other example of the IFAX transmission detail
history screen. When the user selects the history 2412 and presses down
the button 2418 shown in FIG. 24A, detail information of the history 2412
is displayed on the IFAX transmission detail history screen. The image
forming apparatus displays that the old address book is used is displayed
on the IFAX transmission detail history screen shown in FIG. 24B and
notifies of a possibility that information has been transmitted in a
condition without exactly understanding the capability of the other
device (the image forming apparatus A).

[0211] According to the information processing system of the second
embodiment, when third image forming apparatus generates transmission
information for the first image forming apparatus based on configuration
data of the second image forming apparatus that needs updating
accompanied with replacement of the first image forming apparatus,
following advantageous is obtained. The first image forming apparatus can
determine whether or not the transmission information is correct based on
the comparison result of the version of configuration data included in
the transmission information and the version of configuration data of the
second image forming apparatus retained in the set value management
service 310.

[0212] Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer
of a system or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out
and executes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the
functions of the above-descried embodiments, and by a method, the steps
of which are performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, for
example, reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory device
to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments. For this
purpose, the program is provided to the computer for example via a
network or from a recording medium of various types serving as the memory
device (e.g., computer-readable medium).

[0213] While the present invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the
following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0214] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application
No. 2011-271020 filed Dec. 12, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.